Photo Source: Camera Sport
Wimbledon, Day 1: what could be better? Fresh flowers, fresh faces, fresh grass. And the heightened anticipation that comes with the first day of the Championships, when the 128 lines on each singles draw represent a blank canvas.
See the full Day 1 Order of Play Here
Without any further ado, let’s have a look at what we’ll be watching on Day 1:
Alcaraz Begins his Title Defense
One of the most beautiful traditions in tennis. The men’s singles defending champion takes opens the tournament with his first match on Centre Court. This year Carlos Alcaraz will do it without linesman and lineswomen – a new wrinkle at Wimbledon this year – but the 22-year-old will still be in the time machine otherwise known as Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
Alcaraz will face Italy’s Fabio Fognini, who could be making his last Wimbledon appearance, as he puts his 14-match Wimbledon and 18-match overall winning streak on the line.
Alcaraz, fresh off his second Roland-Garros title, is bidding to become the fifth man in history to complete a Wimbledon three-peat, along with Borg, Sampras, Federer and Djokovic.
Pick: Alcaraz in a fast three
Sabalenka Opens Court No.1
Aryna Sabalenka has taken care of business pre-tournament. She wrapped up an iconic Tik Tok dancing session with Coco Gauff, clearing the air and ensuring that no bad blood lingered between the two after some tense times in Paris. Now it’s all business for Mrs Consistency at the majors. Sabalenka has made at least the quarterfinals in each of her last ten Grand Slam appearances and she’ll look to kick off her 11th consecutive deep run at the majors with a first-round clash with Canadian Grand Slam debutante Carson Branstine.
Branstine, a former junior No.4, owns one main draw win in her career, but she did defeat Frenchwoman Lois Boisson and former Grand Slam champion Bianca Andreescu in qualifying to make the main draw.
Pick: Sabalenka in two, with one close set.
First-Round Popcorn
There are many first-rounders that deserve to have butter slathered all over them. We’re looking forward to Taylor Fritz and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s first-round match, as well as Holger Rune’s tilt with Chile’s Nicolas Jarry. On the women’s side Amanda Anisimova will face Yulia Putintseva on Court 15. Naomi Osaka will look to advance against Australia’s Talia Gibson.
Like every Day 1 at a Slam, FOMO will play a role. Don’t panic. You can always catch up by watching YouTube highlights of the matches you missed!
Enjoy.